Manston may be best known for its airport but at the heart of this tiny village is a simple church built in the style of the thirteenth century in 1873 by Smith of London. It is remarkably tall, with a spindly roof structure and with a blocked arch in the east wall to indicate that the chancel was always going to be an optional extra! The whole church cost £1000 to build. The same lack of money at a later date is reflected in the light interior with only the east window containing stained glass. There are two interesting furnishings. Firstly the pulpit which is more likely to date from the 1840s or 50s. Where did it come from? Secondly, and a real treasure, is the font – marble and 18th century in date, it was formerly in the parish church of St Laurence, from which Manston was carved. It really needs a marble base, but its wrought iron stand is a good twentieth century alternative.